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Lowell zoning board approves three homeowner variances for garage conversion, addition and porch roof
Summary
At its July 13 meeting the Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals approved three homeowner variances: conversion of a garage at 16 Gibson Street to living space, a 12-by-24 addition at 25 Draper Street, and a roof over a deck at 365 Princeton Boulevard. All three passed by roll call after brief discussion and no public opposition.
The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals on July 13 approved three homeowner variance requests, allowing a garage-to-living-space conversion, a modest family‑room addition and a canopy roof over an existing deck.
James Tessier, the applicant for 16 Gibson Street, told the board he is converting an existing garage into a pool‑house style living area with a bathroom and kitchenette so guests won’t need to enter the main house. “We’re… requesting a permit to turn our existing garage into living space, which we plan to use for entertaining and as, like, a living room area,” Tessier said.
Board members described the request as modest and consistent with the neighborhood. Member Habi said the proposal will “look great in that backyard” and did not recommend additional landscaping conditions tied to the patio. Member Prokop moved the variance for relief from the maximum floor‑area‑ratio under section 5.1; Vice Chair Callahan seconded the motion. The board voted by roll call and the motion carried.
At 25 Draper Street, Patrick Welch asked for a 12‑by‑24 family room with a three‑quarter bath; he said the addition is about 16 inches into the side setback. Welch confirmed the wastewater/water connection will tie into the existing house, and he provided a plumber’s plan to the building department. The board described the relief as minimal; Member Prokop moved approval and the motion passed by roll call.
At 365 Princeton Boulevard, a petitioner identified as Salatak requested a roof over an L‑shaped deck. Board members confirmed the plan is a canopy‑style roof (not an enclosure) and, noting no public opposition, approved the variance after brief comments.
Votes at a glance: each variance was approved by roll call. Applicants were reminded to coordinate required permits and building‑department conditions (for example, the plumbing/wastewater details noted for 25 Draper).
The board moved on after the approvals; the meeting’s later business included a contested curb‑cut petition that the board handled separately.
